Christmas holidays often bring to mind Scandinavia, with its festive markets, snowy landscapes, and joyous traditions.
In Norway, Christmas Eve is a time for family gatherings and traditional meals, which means shops, markets, and most restaurants close for the day.
Is Oslo worth visiting during Christmas 2024? Absolutely! Here’s a guide to the top attractions and activities you can enjoy during your festive trip visiting Norway.
Top 10 Places And Activities That Are Open During Christmas
Many attractions in Oslo have limited hours or closures during Christmas. Here are 10 activities and places you can enjoy during Christmas 2024!
1. Visit the Christmas market – Jul i Vinterland
The Jul i Vinterland Christmas Market opens in the heart of Oslo from November 9 to December 31. Enjoy traditional Norwegian treats, artisan souvenirs, and the festive spirit of Scandinavian Christmas.
Christmas market in Oslo – Jul i Vinterland
Note: The market closes on December 24, so plan your visit accordingly.
Located on a scenic hill in southeast Oslo, Ekeberg Sculpture Park blends art, nature, and history. Stroll through a well-maintained forest adorned with unique sculptures and illuminated trails.
Reach the Ekebergutsikten observation deck for panoramic views of Oslo—the same view that inspired Edvard Munch’s iconic painting, The Scream.
Opening hours: Open 24/7 throughout Christmas.
4. Discover The New MUNCH Museum
Celebrate the genius of Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, at the modern MUNCH Museum. Opened in October 2021, this architectural marvel features 13 floors of art, a panoramic restaurant, and a terrace with stunning views.
5. Experience Polar Exploration at The Fram Museum
Step aboard the legendary icebreaker Fram, the most famous Norwegian research vessel. Fram completed three groundbreaking expeditions, including journeys to both poles and across two oceans.
Learn about Roald Amundsen, the first person to reach the North and South Poles, and his incredible Antarctic voyage.
Opening hours: Daily, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM during Christmas. Visit The Fram Museum for details.
23rd December
10:00–17:00
Lille Julaften
24th December
10:00–17:00
Juleaften (Christmas Eve)
25th December
10:00–17:00
Første Juledag (Christmas Day)
26th December
10:00–17:00
Andre Juledag (Second Day of Christmas)
27th December
10:00–17:00
The Fram Museum Ticket prices
Adults: 140 kr
Children and Students: 50 kr
Seniors: 100 kr
6. Visit Holmenkollen: Oslo’s Iconic Ski Jump
Experience the world’s first and most advanced ski jump at Holmenkollen, a symbol of Norwegian winter sports. Known as the “White Swan,” this architectural masterpiece offers breathtaking views from its tower.
The Kon-Tiki Museum celebrates Thor Heyerdahl’s daring expeditions, including his epic journey from South America to the Tuamotu Islands on the Kon-Tiki raft.
Explore ships, artifacts, and stories from his adventures, creating an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Enjoy year-round skiing at SNØ, one of the world’s largest indoor slopes. With temperatures maintained between -2°C and -4°C, SNØ offers trails for all skill levels and a park with exciting jumps.
Part of Frogner Royal Park, Vigeland Sculpture Park features over 200 sculptures crafted by Gustav Vigeland. Each piece reflects unique emotions, making the park a vast open-air museum.
Don’t miss the intricately carved gate designed by Vigeland himself. Entrance is free, and the park is open 24/7 during Christmas.
10. Walk on the Roof of the Oslo Opera House
Opened in 2008, the Oslo Opera House is a modern architectural gem designed by Snøhetta. Its expansive 38,000-square-meter roof invites visitors to enjoy stunning views of the Oslo Fjord, the MUNCH Museum, and the city’s business district.
A must-see for any trip to Oslo!
Plan Ahead: Restaurants Open During Christmas in Oslo
Most restaurants in Oslo close on Christmas Day. However, a few remain open, but reservations are essential due to high demand. Below is a list of restaurants expected to open during Christmas 2024. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Christmas in Norway isn’t complete without sampling traditional dishes like ribbe (pork ribs), pinnekjøtt (dried lamb ribs), or lutefisk (cod prepared with lye). These unique flavors capture the essence of Norwegian holiday celebrations.
To get inspired before your trip and be impressed by the winter views of the city of Oslo, we recommend watching this video – a walk around the city.
Shopping Hours During Christmas in Norway
Shops in Norway close early on Christmas Eve, with most shutting by 4:00 PM. Plan ahead for your shopping needs. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25–26), all stores remain closed for public holidays.
